Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (12-08-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Geography: Japan issues its first-ever ‘megaquake advisory’ |
| Agriculture: PM Modi releases 109 climate-resilient seed varieties to boost farm yield, nutrition |
| International Relations: India to introduce UPI payment service in Maldives |
| Polity and Governance: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0 |
| Science and Technology: CPCRI issues advisory to control koleroga disease in arecanut plantations |
| India to roll out new treatment regimen for drug-resistant TB |
Japan issues its first-ever ‘megaquake advisory’: What does it mean?
Source: Indian Express
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/japan-megaquake-advisory-9506703/
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 1 Geography
Context: Megaquake advisory
Why in News
- After a 7.1-magnitude earthquake shook southern Japan on, the country’s meteorological agency issued its first-ever “megaquake advisory”
Overview
- The Nankai Trough is a significant geological feature located off the southwest coast of Japan.
- It is an underwater subduction zone, where the Philippine Sea Plate is being forced under the Eurasian Plate.
- This process generates significant tectonic stress as the plates interact, and over time, this stress can lead to large-scale earthquakes known as megaquakes.
What is the Nankai Trough?
- Geological Feature: The Nankai Trough is a nearly 900-kilometer-long subduction zone. In this region, the Philippine Sea Plate is sliding beneath the Eurasian Plate.
- Tectonic Stress: As the plates interact, they create considerable stress at the boundary. This stress accumulates over time and can be released suddenly in the form of a massive earthquake.
- Historical Earthquakes: The trough has produced significant earthquakes approximately every 100 to 150 years. These events often occur in pairs, with a second major quake typically following the first within a couple of years. For example, the most recent pair occurred in 1944 and 1946.
The Recent 7.1-Magnitude Earthquake
- Location: The recent 7.1-magnitude earthquake happened near or on the Nankai Trough.
- Concerns: This event raises concerns about the potential for a larger, more devastating megaquake in the region. Given the historical patterns, there is heightened awareness and preparation for possible subsequent significant seismic activity.
Probability and Potential Impact
- Likelihood of Megaquake: According to a 2022 prediction by Japan’s Earthquake Research Committee, there is a 70% chance that a megaquake with a magnitude between 8 and 9 could occur within the next 30 years.
- Affected Areas: Such a quake could impact a large portion of Japan, stretching from central Shizuoka to southwestern Miyazaki.
- Tsunami Risk: Tsunami waves could reach up to 98 feet, potentially hitting Japan’s Pacific coastlines within minutes of the quake.
- Economic Impact: The economic damage could be as high as $1.50 trillion, representing more than a third of Japan’s annual GDP.
Earthquake Prediction Challenges
- Predictive Difficulties: Currently, precise prediction of earthquakes is not possible. Scientists are unable to provide accurate forecasts due to the lack of reliable precursors that signal a major quake.
- Research Focus: Researchers are working to understand more about the signs that might precede earthquakes, but as of now, there is no technology that can reliably detect these signals in advance.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q1. Consider the following statements:
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
|
Q. Consider the following: (2013)
Which of the above are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the earth? (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only (b) 1, 3, 5 and 6 only (c) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 Ans: (d) |
| Answer 1– B
Explanation –
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PM Modi releases 109 climate-resilient seed varieties to boost farm yield, nutrition
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 3- Agriculture
Context: High-yielding, climate-resilient, and biofortified seed
Why in News
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi released 109 high-yielding, climate-resilient, and biofortified seed varieties of agricultural and horticultural crops, aiming to enhance farm productivity and farmers’ income.
Overview of the Initiative
- Seed Varieties Released:
- Total Varieties: 109
- Types: High-yielding, climate-resilient, and biofortified
- Crops Covered: 61 crops, including 34 field crops and 27 horticultural crops
- Field Crops:
- Categories: Cereals, millets, forage crops, oilseeds, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, and fiber crops
- Horticultural Crops:
- Categories: Fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, tubers, spices, flowers, and medicinal plants
- Event Location:
- Unveiling took place at Delhi’s Pusa Campus, which features experimental agriculture plots
- Interactions:
- Prime Minister Modi interacted with farmers and scientists, emphasizing the importance of these new seed varieties.
Objectives and Benefits
- Enhancing Farm Productivity:
- High-Yielding Varieties: These are designed to produce more output per unit area compared to traditional varieties.
- Climate-Resilient Varieties: These are engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as droughts or floods, which are increasingly prevalent due to climate change.
- Boosting Farmers’ Income:
- By improving productivity and resilience, these seeds can help farmers achieve better yields and reduce losses, ultimately increasing their income.
- Biofortification:
- Nutritional Improvement: Biofortified seeds are developed to enhance the nutritional content of crops, addressing deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.
- Link to Malnutrition: Modi’s emphasis on biofortified varieties aligns with government programs like the Mid-Day Meal scheme and Anganwadi services, aiming to combat malnutrition among children and vulnerable populations.
Broader Context
- Sustainable Farming Practices: Since taking office in 2014, Modi has promoted sustainable farming techniques that balance productivity with environmental stewardship.
- Government Initiatives: The release of these new seed varieties is part of a broader strategy to support Indian farmers through various government initiatives and schemes designed to improve agricultural practices and outcomes.
Impact and Future Implications
- Improved Agricultural Practices: The introduction of these new varieties could lead to more resilient agricultural systems, capable of coping with the challenges posed by climate change.
- Economic Benefits: Increased crop yields and better-quality produce can enhance the economic stability of farming communities, supporting overall rural development.
- Nutritional Impact: The focus on biofortification addresses critical nutritional needs, potentially improving public health outcomes.
What is Climate Resilience?
- Climate-resilient refers to the ability of agricultural crops, systems, or practices to withstand and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
- This concept is crucial for maintaining productivity and ensuring food security in the face of increasing environmental uncertainties.
- In India, where agriculture is heavily influenced by monsoon patterns and climatic variability, developing and adopting climate-resilient crops is crucial.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q2. Consider the following statements:
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
|
Q. In the context of India’s preparation for Climate -Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements:(2021)
Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (d) |
| Answer 2– D
Explanation –
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India to introduce UPI payment service in Maldives
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 2- International Relations
Context: UPI payment service
Why in News
- India and Maldives have signed an agreement to introduce the Unified Payments Interface in the archipelago nation, which will have a “very positive” impact on its tourism sector.
Agreement on Unified Payments Interface (UPI):
- What It Is: UPI, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), is an instant real-time payment system that facilitates inter-bank transactions through mobile phones.
- Significance for the Maldives: The introduction of UPI in the Maldives aims to enhance digital payment capabilities and improve financial inclusion. It is expected to have a “very positive” impact on the tourism sector, which is crucial for the Maldivian economy.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU):
- Parties Involved: The MoU was signed between India’s NPCI and the Maldives’ Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.
- Purpose: The MoU focuses on introducing UPI to the Maldives, marking the first step towards integrating this digital payment system in the country.
Impact on Tourism:
- Economic Contribution: Tourism is a major contributor to the Maldives’ economy, accounting for nearly 30% of GDP and over 60% of foreign exchange earnings.
- The integration of UPI is expected to streamline transactions and attract more tourists by offering a convenient payment method.
Bilateral Relations
- Visit of S. Jaishankar: Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to the Maldives was aimed at resetting and strengthening the bilateral relationship, especially following a period of strained ties due to geopolitical changes in Maldivian leadership.
- High-Level Engagements: The visit included discussions on various areas of cooperation and the signing of several agreements, including the MoU for UPI.
High Impact Projects and Agreements:
- Projects: India and the Maldives inaugurated six high-impact projects covering areas such as street lighting, mental health, children’s speech therapy, and special education.
- Training MoU: A renewed MoU between the National Centre for Good Governance and the Civil Services Commission of the Maldives aims to train 1,000 additional civil service officers.
Economic and Security Cooperation
- Trade and Investment: Both nations agreed to promote trade and investment, with discussions on a potential Free Trade Agreement to enhance economic cooperation.
- Regional Security: Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to joint exercises and training to ensure regional security and stability, particularly in the Indian Ocean region.
Previous Tensions and Reconciliation:
- Military Presence: Relations had been strained when President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel.
- However, the issue was resolved by replacing them with civilians.
Shared Goals and Values
- Collaboration on Global Issues: India and the Maldives share common views on regional and global issues, including combating terrorism, violent extremism, human trafficking, and promoting human rights.
- Philosophy of Cooperation: India’s approach is guided by its philosophy of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabke Vikas’ (Together, we prosper), reflecting its commitment to mutual development and stability.
Implications and Benefits:
- Economic: The introduction of UPI can enhance financial transactions in the Maldives, making it easier for tourists and residents to conduct business. The potential Free Trade Agreement could further stimulate economic growth.
- Social: The high-impact projects will contribute to societal well-being and infrastructure development, directly benefiting the Maldivian population.
- Political: The agreements and high-level engagements signify a strengthening of diplomatic ties and mutual commitment to addressing both national and regional challenges collaboratively.
UPI:
- The UPI is a digital and real-time payment system developed by the NPCI in 2016.
- UPI is built over the IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) infrastructure and allows users to instantly transfer money between any two parties’ bank accounts.
- UPI allows merging several banking features, seamless fund routing, and merchant payments into one mobile application.
- More than 100 billion transactions took place via UPI in 2023 worth Rs 2 lakh crores.
- The countries that accept UPI payments are France, UAE, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Bhutan, and Nepal.
What is the National Payments Corporation of India?
- NPCI is an umbrella organisation for all retail payments systems in India.
- It was set up with the guidance and support of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).
- Objectives:
- To consolidate and integrate the existing multiple systems into a nation-wide uniform and standard business process for all retail payment systems.
- To facilitate an affordable payment mechanism to benefit the common man across the country and propel financial inclusion.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q3. Consider the following statements:
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
|
Which of the following is a most likely consequence of implementing the ‘Unified Payments Interface (UPI)’? (2017)
(a) Mobile wallets will not be necessary for online payments. Ans: (a) |
| Answer 3 A
Explanation
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Cabinet gives approval to PMAY-Urban 2.0
Source: The Hindu
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cabinet-gives-approval-to-pmay-urban-20/article68507057.ece
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2- Polity and Governance
Context: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0
Why in News
- The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0 under which financial assistance will be provided to one crore urban poor and middle-class families to construct, purchase or rent a house at affordable cost.
Uttar Pradesh’s Initiative
- The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0 is an extension and enhancement of the existing PMAY-U program, aimed at improving housing availability and affordability for various segments of the urban population in India.
Objective:
- Financial Assistance: PMAY-U 2.0 aims to provide financial assistance to one crore urban poor and middle-class families. This assistance is for constructing, purchasing, or renting houses at affordable costs.
Implementation
- Duration: The scheme will be in effect for the next five years.
- Coverage: Financial assistance will be channeled through States and Union Territories in urban areas.
Funding and Investment:
- Government Subsidy: A total subsidy of ₹2.30 lakh crore will be provided under PMAY-U 2.0.
- Total Investment: The total investment in the scheme is projected to be ₹10 lakh crore.
Credit Risk Guarantee Fund:
- Increased Corpus: The corpus of the Credit Risk Guarantee Fund Trust has been increased from ₹1,000 crore to ₹3,000 crore.
- Purpose: This increase aims to provide a credit risk guarantee on affordable housing loans. The fund benefits Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Low-Income Group (LIG) segments.
- Management Transfer: The management of the Credit Risk Guarantee Fund will be transferred from the National Housing Bank to the National Credit Guarantee Company.
Eligibility Criteria
- Beneficiaries: Families belonging to the EWS, LIG, and Middle-Income Group (MIG) segments are eligible.
- Housing Status: Eligible families should not own a ‘pucca’ (permanent) house anywhere in the country.
Coverage Area
- Statutory Towns: Includes all statutory towns as per Census 2011.
- Additional Areas: Includes towns notified subsequently, Notified Planning Areas, areas under Industrial Development Authority, Special Area Development Authority, Urban Development Authority, or any similar authority under State legislation responsible for urban planning and regulations.
Key Points
- Flagship Program: PMAY-U is one of the major flagship programs of the Union government focused on providing all-weather pucca houses to urban residents.
- Progress Under PMAY-U: Since its inception, 1.18 crore houses have been sanctioned, and more than 85.5 lakh houses have been constructed and delivered.
- Enhanced Support: The increased corpus and restructured Credit Risk Guarantee Fund aim to bolster support for affordable housing loans, making it easier for lower-income groups to secure financing.
Impact
- Economic and Social Benefits: The scheme is expected to boost the housing sector, improve living conditions for the urban poor and middle-class, and contribute to the overall economic development by increasing investment in housing infrastructure.
- Accessibility: By extending coverage to various towns and including additional planning and development areas, PMAY-U 2.0 aims to reach a broader population and address housing needs more effectively.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) falls under the Government’s mission – Housing for All by 2022 for urban housing being implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
- It makes home loans affordable for the urban poor by providing a subsidy on the Interest Rate of a home loan during repayment by way of EMI (Equated Monthly Installments).
Beneficiaries:
- The Mission addresses urban housing shortage among the EWS/LIG and MIG categories including the slum dwellers.
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS) – with a maximum annual family income of Rs. 3,00,000.
- Low Income Group (LIG) – with maximum annual family income of Rs. 6,00,000) and
- Middle Income Groups (MIG I & II) – with a maximum annual family income of Rs. 18,00,000)
- A beneficiary family will comprise husband, wife, unmarried sons and/or unmarried daughters.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Consider the following statements:
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
|
Q. The Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana which came into operation from 1st December, 1997 aims to provide gainful employment to the urban unemployed or underemployed poor but does not include (2000)
a) Nehru Rozgar Yojana (b) Urban Basic Services Programme (c) Prime Minister’s Integrated Urban Poverty Eradications Programme (d) Prime Ministers Rozgar Yojana Ans. (d) |
| Answer 4 A
Explanation
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CPCRI issues advisory to control Koleroga disease in Arecanut plantations
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3- Science and Technology
Context: Kole roga disease
Why in news
- The Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasaragod, has issued an advisory to farmers to control ‘kole roga’ (fruit rot disease) in Arecanut plantations.
Fruit Rot Disease
- The Fruit rot disease, also known as ‘Kole roga’ and ‘mahali’, has become a cause of concern in arecanut plantations of Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka.
- Fruit rot of arecanut is caused by the fungus Phytophthora arecae.
- This disease occurs during South West monsoon and appears usually 15 to 20 days after the onset of regular monsoon rains and may continue up to the end of the rainy season.
- Continuous heavy rainfall coupled with low temperature (20 to 23 degree Celsius), high relative humidity and intermittent rain and sunshine hours are factors that favour the occurrence of fruit rot.
- Disease spread is through heavy wind, rain splashes and flies.
- This disease leads to rotting and excessive shedding of premature nuts from the areca tree.
- When affected nuts fall off, white mycelial growth of fungus can be seen on them.
- Farmers usually spray prophylactic solutions for the prevention of this disease.
- Disease can be managed by clean cultivation, covering areca bunches with polythene covers, destruction of affected trees, collection and burning of fallen areca nuts, spray of Bordeaux mixture etc.
Bordeaux Mixture or Mandipropamid
- Bordeaux Mixture: A 1% solution should be sprayed on all bunches. This mixture needs to be freshly prepared with a neutral pH of 7. A sticker cum spreader should be added at 1 ml per liter to improve adherence.
- Mandipropamid 23.4% SC: Use at a concentration of 1 ml per liter. This should also be sprayed on the bunches, particularly where fruit rot has been observed.
- Application Areas: Spray on both crown and bud regions if severe fruit rot is present to protect against bud and crown rot.
- Mixing: Do not mix with other fungicides, pesticides, or nutrients. This ensures the effectiveness of the treatment.
Timing and Frequency
- When to Spray: It’s crucial to apply these treatments during breaks in rainfall. This is important because ‘kole roga’ becomes more prevalent in damp conditions, and timely application helps control its spread.
- Preparation: Bordeaux mixture should be freshly prepared for each application.
Cultural Practices
- Drainage: Establish proper drainage in the plantation to prevent water stagnation. Stagnant water can exacerbate fungal growth and disease spread.
- Removal of Diseased Nuts: Regularly remove fallen diseased nuts from the garden to reduce disease inoculum and prevent further spread.
Soil and Fertilizer Management:
- Dolomite/Lime Application: Apply 1 kg per palm in September, or adjust based on soil test results. This helps to correct soil pH and improve soil health.
- Fertilizer Application: About 2-3 weeks after applying dolomite/lime.
Advisory
- Disease Control: Use Bordeaux mixture or Mandipropamid for controlling ‘kole roga,’ ensuring proper preparation and application.
- Cultural Practices: Implement good drainage and remove diseased nuts to manage disease spread.
- Soil Health: Apply dolomite/lime and follow up with appropriate fertilizers to support plant health and recovery.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. Which of the following practices are recommended for managing ‘kole roga’ in arecanut plantations?
Code:
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Q. Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? (2020)
1.Genetic predisposition of some people 2.Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases 3.Using antibiotics in livestock farming 4.Multiple chronic diseases in some people Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4 Ans: (d) |
| Answer 5 A
Explanation
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India to roll out new treatment regimen for drug-resistant TB
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3- Diseases, Science and Technology
Context: BPaL (bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid)
Why in news
- India is getting ready to roll out BPaL (bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid) regimen for all multi/extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis patients and the training for this new exercise is scheduled to begin this month.
Introduction of BPaL Regimen
- BPaL stands for bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid. This combination is a new treatment option designed to improve outcomes for patients with MDR and XDR-TB.
- The BPaL regimen has shown promising results in other countries like Pakistan, South Africa, and Ukraine, indicating its effectiveness in treating drug-resistant TB.
Training and Implementation:
- Training for the rollout of the BPaL regimen is scheduled to begin this month.
- The regimen aims to enhance treatment outcomes and benefit thousands of patients by replacing older, less effective treatments.
Treatment Duration and Effectiveness
- Current Treatment: Traditional regimens for MDR-TB typically last 18 to 24 months and involve taking multiple different drugs daily.
- BPaL Regimen: The new regimen reduces the treatment duration to approximately six months and simplifies the regimen to just three daily tablets.
- This shorter and simpler regimen is expected to improve patient adherence and overall treatment success.
Cost and Accessibility:
- The cost of the BPaL regimen has been reduced significantly, making it more accessible. For example, in the BPaL regimen, bedaquiline costs $130, pretomanid $238, and linezolid $31.
- This reduction in cost is partly due to the availability of generic versions of the drugs.
Impact on Drug-Resistant TB:
- The BPaL regimen is expected to improve treatment success rates, which have historically been low due to the complexity and duration of existing treatments.
- The regimen is anticipated to make TB treatment less burdensome for patients and more cost-effective for health systems.
Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT)
- NAAT is a molecular test used to detect the DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum or other samples.
- It will be crucial in scaling up the use of the BPaL regimen by helping to identify TB cases more effectively.
Historical Context and Success Rates:
- Historically, MDR-TB and XDR-TB treatments have had lower success rates due to the long duration and side effects of treatment. The global success rate for drug-resistant TB treatment has been around 52%.
- With the introduction of BPaL, treatment success rates are expected to improve, benefiting from the regimen’s shorter duration and reduced side effects.
Savings and Benefits
- Studies have shown that the BPaL regimen can lead to significant cost savings per patient treated, with savings varying by country.
- The introduction of BPaL is also expected to reduce the economic burden on both health systems and patients.
Progress and Statistics
- According to the WHO Global TB Report 2023, India has made progress in improving TB case detection and reversing the impact of COVID-19 on the TB program.
- The estimated number of drug-resistant TB cases in India has decreased from 1.4 lakh in 2015 to 1.1 lakh in 2022.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q6. Consider the following statements regarding the BPaL regimen:
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
|
Q. Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? (2019)
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 2 Ans: (b) |
| Answer 6 B
Explanation
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